The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is going through a major internal restructuring. After appointing new state and Union Territory leaders in six regions, the party is now focused on selecting its next national president.
JP Nadda has held the top post since 2020. Although his term officially ended in 2023, the party extended it to 2024 so he could lead BJP during the Lok Sabha elections.
Now, as the party begins its next phase, sources told Live Hindustan that BJP may soon appoint a woman as national president for the first time in its history.
Key Women Leaders in the Race
Nirmala Sitharaman
Nirmala Sitharaman, currently India’s Finance Minister, is among the top contenders. She has held the ministry since 2019, when BJP started its second consecutive term. Many in the party see her as one of the most powerful female leaders in BJP.
Her southern roots may give BJP a stronger base in Tamil Nadu, where the party is working to expand. Recently, she also met with JP Nadda and BJP General Secretary BL Santhosh at the party headquarters, further fuelling speculation about her role.
D Purandeswari
Another strong candidate is D Purandeswari, the former chief of BJP’s Andhra Pradesh unit. She played a key role in Operation Sindoor, where India sent representatives abroad to present its anti-terrorism efforts. This delegation visited major global powers such as the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the EU, Italy, and Denmark.
Vanathi Srinivasan
Vanathi Srinivasan is another leader to watch. She previously headed BJP’s women’s wing, the Mahila Morcha. In the 2021 Tamil Nadu Assembly election, she defeated actor and MNM founder Kamal Haasan to win the Coimbatore (South) seat.
She joined the BJP in 1993 and became a member of the party’s Central Election Committee in 2022, showcasing her deep experience and leadership within the organisation.
Why BJP May Choose a Woman President
According to party insiders, BJP’s recent gains among women voters may be driving the push for a female president.
In 2023, the BJP-led government passed the women’s reservation bill, which promises 33% seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The bill received approval from both houses of Parliament.
By appointing a woman national president, the BJP may aim to show that it stands firmly behind women’s political empowerment. This move could also strengthen its appeal among female voters in the run-up to future elections.